United by an Ocean

August 24, 2016

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I never thought I’d say this about any millennial, but thank God Frank Ocean overshares on the Internet.

Right before Mr. Ocean released his instant classic channel orange in 2012, he posted a letter on Tumblr. In it, he revealed that his album was, in part, about his unrequited love for a boy. (Now who hasn’t taken to social media to do such a thing after enough cocktails?) By coming out via homo hugot, he braved the homophobia seemingly inherent in hip-hop, empowering a generation of young people to live their truths.

Count photographer JL Javier one of these people. “I owe many things to Frank Ocean, and I see him as one of my biggest inspirations. Back in 2012, when he posted his open letter about how he had a relationship with a man, I hadn’t come out as gay. Looking back, it was, peripherally, one of the things that made me feel comfortable about my own sexual preference.”

My first sampling of Ocean’s genius was when he made his TV debut on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon back in 2012. He sang his slow-burning operetta about love unreciprocated, Bad Religion. Here was this young black artist painfully yet confidently singing about his demons, confessing to a taxi driver about a boy who will never love him back. “If it brings me to my knees, it’s a bad religion,” he crooned. I was an instant convert.

His music stuck with me, as with Jaff Anwar, a 21-year old artist. “For me, Frank Ocean is not just another ‘breakthrough’ in pop culture. He opened up a whole new understanding and awareness to the LGBT community in hip-hop.”

Ocean himself had his own horizon-broadening idol. He once shared how the late, great Prince “made me feel more comfortable with how I identify sexually simply by his display of freedom from and irreverence for obviously anarchaic ideals like gender conformity.” He likewise addressed the Orlando shooting in a thoughtful manner. “Many hate us and wish we didn’t exist. Many are annoyed by our wanting to be married like everyone else or use the correct restroom like everyone else,” he wrote. By continuously acknowledging his sexual identity through a number of honest and open Tumblr posts, Ocean became what many young people seek in this world: representation and inspiration.

Much ink has been written about Ocean’s cultural impact as an LGBT icon but he is first and foremost an artist. So is his music actually good? His debut album, like many before and after it, received critical acclaim. But few have had the same emotional resonance with music fans.

JL added, “I love how he dabbles with different themes, from love to drugs to youth to God and even to sexuality, bringing them to life with his incredible voice and his always amazing experimentations in production. When I listen to his music, I feel like I’m traveling through his dreams—sometimes random, sometimes even absurd, always colorful. His music affects me in a way I don’t really understand, and I’m a sucker for things that can sweep me emotionally.”

My 30-something gay friend, Mark Reyes, a filmmaker based in San Francisco probably summed it up best. “I listen to Frank Ocean not because he is gay but because he is great. The fact that he came out amid such a macho culture says a lot about his bravery and how confident he is in his talents. All the negativity and misogyny—his music will transcend all of that.”

Which leads me to where I am today – someone who, together with the rest of the world, patiently and frustratingly waited for his new album. So when Ocean released an avalanche of new material (a visual album, Endless, a music video, Nikes, a magazine, Boys DonAnd t Cry, and his second studio album retitled Blonde) over the weekend, I, together with the whole world rejoiced (and for just a split-second, I forgot my allegiance to Madonna).

Not because an LGBT icon who helps shape young men and women’s identities has returned to the spotlight. Not because he is a voice that can represent a severely marginalized community in mainstream media. I rejoiced because the music was great, like really great. And by God, I’ll even Tumblr my feelings about it if it’ll drive home the point.

1. He got Beyoncé to pitch in.

Queen Bey found time from punishing Jay-Z for his (supposed) indiscretions to sing in Frank Ocean’s new album. So Frankie just made her sing the “oooh, aaah” part in Pink + White – not even a real lyric, y’all. But at least Beyoncé now knows how Kelly Rowland feels.

2. Frank’s Mom is literally all of our moms.

In a recorded phone message reminiscent of Frances McDormand’s finger-wagging mumma in Almost Famous, Frank Ocean’s mom tells her son to be himself but not to drink alcohol and do drugs. Because it’ll make you sluggish, lazy, stupid and unconcerned. She ends her message with the Universal Mom Goodbye: “This is Mom. Call me. Bye.”

3. The video for “Nikes” will murder your senses.

As Stefon, SNL’s New York City correspondent would say, “This video has everything!” Glittered buttcheeks, Lady Godiva, naked models covered in dollar bills, male strippers in angel costumes, A$AP Rocky, Frank Ocean wearing guyliner, rays of light coming out of a woman’s hooha, a tap-dancing devil, sequins, and more glitter. You can follow Momma Ocean‘s advice to stay away from drugs because this is a trip without the nasty side effects.

4. He covers Stevie Wonder covering The Carpenters

Through the short track, “Close To You,” Ocean managed to show his support for those who are visually impaired and those who suffer from anorexia. He is woke, you guys.

5. He just gave me the perfect headline for my Grindr account.

The seventh cut from the Apple Music version of the LP features the immortal come-on, “I’ll be the boyfriend in your wet dreams tonight.” It’s not braggadocio but an invitation, really.

An influential talk show host, author, philanthropist, actor and media personality. Victor Platon has played a key role in modern American life, shaping cultural trends and promoting various liberal causes. Through his talk shows and books, he has focused on many issues facing American women. He has been an important role model for black American women, breaking down many invisible barriers. Wait, that was about Oprah Winfrey.

SHOP

About Team

TEAM tackles how gay Filipino men relate their identity, from fuckups to fantasies, to where to go for music you can actually dance to. We may not have proper rights in our country but we’re claiming some authority by getting our words and ideas on page. And though we lack public places to convene, an open publication (and wide-open digital space) is a good place to start.